Today marked the final farewell to Queen Elizabeth II, an event of historical significance not witnessed in over seven decades.
These are moments that most of us will likely never see again.
The inevitability of this day was always known, yet it remained unspoken until it unfolded with stark reality.
The Queen’s public viewing concluded early this morning at 6:30, followed by the ceremonial procession of her casket from Westminster Hall to Westminster Abbey. The ceremony saw early arrivals of global dignitaries and royalty, including King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema of Bhutan, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan, among others.
Notable attendees included Queen Anne-Marie and Crown Prince Pavlos of Greece, and Princess Charlene and Prince Albert of Monaco. A video captured the arrival of various Prime Ministers.
Photographs show the seating arrangements marked for guests at the venue.
Among the early arrivals at the Abbey were Sarah Ferguson and Angela Kelly, the Queen’s long-serving personal assistant and confidante.
Lady Pamela Hicks, a bridesmaid at the Queen’s wedding and her daughter, India Hicks, were also present.
The procession began at exactly 10:44 am, with the Queen’s coffin transported on the State Gun Carriage of the Royal Navy, a tradition dating back to Queen Victoria’s funeral. The procession included 140 sailors, either pulling the carriage or acting as a brake, with 200 musicians from various regiments providing a musical tribute.
The ceremony was rich with tradition and attended by numerous members of the royal family and dignitaries from around the world, reflecting the Queen’s significant impact and the global respect she commanded.
